Walk this way

Statistics show one in two of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives and most of us will know someone close to us who has been affected either directly or indirectly.

Unsurprisingly therefore it is a cause many people like to lend their support to.

None more so than Sheldon Bosley Knight’s associate director and head of the planning and architecture department, Natasha Blackmore da Silva.

For the past few years she has taken part in a variety of fundraising events including abseiling down the side of Coventry Cathedral in aid of Myton Hospice and in 2023 she hula hooped her way through the month of July for Macmillan Cancer Support.

This year she has turned her attention to Pancreatic Cancer UK and will be taking part in its Big Step Forward on July 13. Pancreatic cancer is a variant of the disease which, although not uncommon, has a low survival rate, which is one reason why Natasha wanted to support it.

She said: “There are a number of members of my family, including my grandfather, who have been diagnosed with cancer over the last few years. Whilst none have had pancreatic cancer, it sadly has symptoms which are common in other conditions so in many cases, by the time it’s diagnosed, it’s often too late.

“However early testing is vital as if caught early enough, treatment can ensure a better survival rate.

“I wanted to highlight this and raise some money so the charity can develop better ways of testing, help more people to be tested, earlier and for the outcomes to be better.”

To this end, on July 13, ably assisted by her dog Chester, she will be walking 10k along the Stratford Greenway finishing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

She said: “It’s a lovely walk, and one I used to do a lot when I lived in Stratford so it has a special place in my heart.

“I will have plenty of information with me about pancreatic cancer and the charity in case people want to ask me questions or walk with me.

“I’m hoping to raise about £200 which will enable the charity to continue to be there for those affected by the disease and help fund research into treatment, early detection and transform care.

“Just £25 will help fund one hour with a nurse on a support line, £25 help develop new tests to help GPs detect pancreatic cancer earlier and £58 could fund research that will make early diagnosis a reality.”

For more information please click this link. To support Natasha please scan the QR code